Original Word: γυμνάζωPart of Speech: VerbTransliteration: gumnazóPhonetic Spelling: (goom-nad'-zo)Definition: to exercise naked, to trainUsage: I train by physical exercise; hence: train, in the widest sense.

HELPS Word-studies

1128gymnázō (from 1131/gymnós, "to train, naked or wearing a loin cloth") – properly, naked or lightly clad, as with an ancient Greek athlete in a sporting event; (figuratively) to train with one's full effort, i.e. with complete physical, emotional force like when working out intensely in a gymnasium.

["Gym" and "gymnasium" come from this same root.]

1128/gymnázō ("exert intensely, like a pro-athlete") presumes full discipline, necessary to be in "top working condition" (full agility, skill, endurance). This is gained only from constant, rigorous training (exercise). 1128 (gymnázō) conveys acquiring proficiency through practice – regular exercise with graduated resistance (the physical element is also included with the spiritual of being in "God's gymnasium").

2.to exercise vigorously, in any way, either the body or the mind: ἑαυτόνπρόςεὐσέβειαν, of one who strives earnestly to become godly, 1 Timothy 4:7; γεγυμνασμενοςexercised,Hebrews 5:14; Hebrews 12:11; καρδίανγεγυμνασμένηνπλεονεξίας (Rec.πλεονεξίαις), a soul that covetousness or the love of gain has trained in its crafty ways, 2 Peter 2:14; cf. Winer's Grammar, § 30, 4.

Hebrews 12:11V-RPM/P-DMPGRK:δι' αὐτῆς γεγυμνασμένοις ἀποδίδωσιν δικαιοσύνηςNAS: to those who have been trained by it, afterwardsKJV: of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.INT: by it having been exercised renders of righteousness

2 Peter 2:14V-RPM/P-AFSGRK:ἀστηρίκτους καρδίαν γεγυμνασμένην πλεονεξίας ἔχοντεςNAS: a heart trained in greed,KJV: they have exercised with covetous practices;INT: unestablished a heart exercised in craving having